SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2024

Despite being a part of the cash-rich league since its inception, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) never managed to win a title. In fact, they reached the final only once in 2022, when they lost to Mumbai Indians by five wickets. DC had an underwhelming outing in the last edition, finishing 9th in the points table. However, it remains to be seen if Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will be the season that ends their drought. 

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The Delhi-based franchise spent a total of Rs 19.05 crore to buy nine players in the 2024 IPL auction. England batter Harry Brook and Australia pacer Jhye Richardson were their notable signings. Reports suggest that DC's regular skipper Rishabh Pant may also make a comeback in the upcoming tournament. This is likely to boost their overall performance. Let's take a look at Delhi Capitals' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead of IPL 2024.

DC complete squad for IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant, Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara

Here's a SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2024

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Strengths - Quality top order, Experienced international pacers

The opening combo of Aussie veteran David Warner and youngster Prithvi Shaw will give explosive starts to their batting innings. Shaw hasn't been consistent in the last two seasons but has done well in England’s 2023 One-Day Cup. On the other hand, Warner has a tremendous outing with the bat in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. The duo will be followed by Australian power-hitter Mitchell Marsh, who is capable of taking quality bowling attacks to the cleaners.

DC has one of the best pace attacks in the IPL 2024. Along with experienced international campaigners like Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Jhye Richardson, and Lungi Ngidi, they also have the latest Indian sensation Mukesh Kumar. 

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Weaknesses - No reliable finisher

After releasing West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell ahead of the auction, DC have become a team without a reliable finisher. For this role, they will have to depend on Pant and Axar Patel. They had the opportunity to buy quality finishers at auction but didn't. 

Opportunities - Harry Brook and Prithvi Shaw can prove the critics wrong

DC managed to get Brook for just INR 4 crore. The Englishman failed to score big for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season but there is no doubt about his talent. It will be a great opportunity for him to prove his mettle with some match-winning performances. Same goes for Shaw. The out-of-favour Indian star needs to continue his exploits to prove his critics wrong and open the door for the national side. 

Threats - Doubts about Rishabh Pant's impact

Reportedly, the flamboyant wicketkeeper will make a comeback through the IPL. He has not played competitive cricket since a horrific car accident last year. It remains to be seen how efficient he will be in the upcoming tournament.